Amravati: A new encyclopedia in Marathi for science and technology lovers will hit the stands soon.

Marathi Vidnyan Parishad is working on this `Science and Technology Encyclopedia likely to be published by Sahitya Sanksriti Mandal of the state government.

Dr Bal Fondke, a science writer and scientist, told PTI that as 2008 is the year of planet earth, it has been decided to publish the encyclopedia this year. The volume will have 4000 short notes along with pictures on scientific concepts, institutions, scientists, science centres, agricultural centres in the state, nation and in other countries.

Dr Fondke who was in the city in connection with fifth state-level science exhibition for school students, informed that about 65 per cent writing of this encyclopedia has been completed and the remaining will be over by February next.

Around 23 Marathi scientists and technologists working in various national level institutions are involved in this mammoth and painstaking work, he added. "It (the encyclopedia) will be first of its kind and Parishad has done a good job by taking up this project. We are prepared to publish this book, if the Mandal backs out," he added.

Source : PTI